With the introduction of the Oura Ring Gen 3, the whole business model for the company was changed. Oura has never exclusively been a tech company and they have invested in the technology platform around their smart rings. With the new ring, they introduce the Oura Membership, a subscription that cost $5.99/month.
According to the company, the membership is not just an add-on to the product, it is the product. It’s a natural shift as many markets move to a subscription-based economy and this is a way to cover the running costs for the service. The team invests in new research, and technology like the SpO2, and wants you to weigh the added cost against the continuous value you get from the Oura Ring, mobile app, cloud app, algorithms, personalized insights, and content.
The Subscription is a change, the good thing is that the old generation 1 and 2 will still have their insights free of charge. The question is for how long as the battery inside the ring is consumable and will eventually wear out. There are some things to consider when charging the Oura Ring to prolong the lifetime of the device
The cost of the Oura Membership
New customers who purchase a Generation 3 ring receive six free months of Oura Membership. After the free trial period, monthly pricing is:
- US: $5.99 before tax
- EU: €5.99 after tax
- Rest of the world: $6.99 after tax
An important thing to know is that the Oura membership is tied to your Oura Account, not your physical Oura Ring. The result is that if you purchase an additional ring with an existing Oura account, you will not receive another six free months of Oura Membership.
Using The Oura Ring Without Subscription
Yes, you can use the Oura Ring without a membership. However, this comes with limitations. Without an active subscription, the ring provides only basic functionality, including the three daily Oura scores, ring battery status, basic profile information, app settings, Apple Health and Google Fit integrations, and the Explore Tab. While this allows for some usage, the lack of advanced stats and insights may render the ring less beneficial for those seeking in-depth health tracking.
- Readiness Score: How ready are you for the day?
- Sleep Score: How well did you sleep last night?
- Activity Score: How are you balancing your activity, inactivity, and rest?
Still, it makes the ring almost useless for most people as it’s the advanced data that’s important and will give you the most insights. These scores will not show you the needed information and could also be delayed.
The Oura Lifetime Membership
The Oura lifetime membership was available for Gen 2 users who purchased a Gen 3 at the launch of the ring. It’s also possible to get a lifetime membership if you buy the Gucci X Oura Ring. Making it an interesting option as there currently is no option to purchase or upgrade to a Lifetime Membership.
A lifetime Oura Membership will remain free for Gen 3 and beyond as long as you have the same and active Oura account.
Can You Buy an Oura Lifetime Membership?
The Oura Lifetime Membership was initially offered to Gen 2 users who upgraded to the Gen 3 ring at its launch or those who opted for the Gucci X Oura Ring. It’s important to note that, as of the current information, there doesn’t appear to be a standalone option to purchase or upgrade to a Lifetime Membership. This unique offering is tied to specific circumstances, emphasizing the importance of timing and product choices for those seeking a lifetime commitment.
Is Oura Worth It with Subscription?
The value of the Oura Ring, particularly with a subscription, depends on individual preferences, health tracking needs, and budget considerations. The subscription covers expenses related to research, technology advancements, and ongoing services. Users should assess whether the additional insights, SpO2 measurements, and personalized content align with their health and wellness goals, making the subscription cost worthwhile.
In conclusion, the Oura Lifetime Membership adds an interesting dimension to the offerings, but its availability seems tied to specific product choices. Users are encouraged to evaluate their priorities and preferences, considering factors like functionality without a membership, subscription costs, and the unique benefits offered by the Oura ecosystem.
